A man who says he was abused by a local priest has come forward, and Thursday his attorney filed a lawsuit against Father Michael Tierney, Bishop Robert Finn and the Diocese of St. Joseph.

Due to the allegations of misconduct with minors, the diocese removed Father Tierney as priest of Christ the King Parish in early June.

The plaintiff, Edward Sandridge, claims Father Tierney abused him when he was 12 years old, between 1971 and 1972. Sandridge said it happened when he was with Father Tierney at a YMCA. Sandridge said he decided it was time to come forward and tell what happened.

"When I saw in the paper I was just shocked," Sandridge said. "I believe in that time he has done other things to other children."

Father Tierney has denied any wrongdoing and the diocese says he is cooperating fully in the process.

Bishop Finn has appointed an independent investigator to look into recent cases of alleged abuse.